Therapeutic targets for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, chronic inflammatory lung disease associated with progressive airflow obstruction. It has become apparent that, unlike asthma, antiinflammatory therapies are ineffective in improving chronic symptoms and reducing inflammation, lung function decline and airways remodeling. However, the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of COPD has grown significantly in recent years, leading to the identification of a number of promising therapeutic targets. Specific drugs have been developed that are directed against targets involved in remodeling, mucus production and chronic inflammation, and therefore potentially effective in preventing the lung tissue damage and progressive decline in lung function associated with the disease. In the interest of facilitating access to information on the principal targets for therapeutic intervention in COPD, this article presents those targets that are currently under active investigation.